Security Director

American Dream , developed by Triple Five Group, is an unparalleled mix of world-class entertainment, retail, and dining, comprising more than 3 million square feet just minutes away from New York City in East Rutherford, New Jersey. American Dream is home to leading attractions, including DreamWorks Water Park , Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park, LEGOLAND Discovery Center , SEA LIFE Aquarium, Big SNOW Ski Hill , Dream Wheel - a 300-foot observation wheel overlook the NYC skyline, as well as attractions debuting soon such as The Game Room Powered by Hasbro and G.I. Joe Laser Tag . American Dream 's immersive luxury shopping and dining experience - The Avenue - features Saks Fifth Avenue , Hermès , Saint Laurent , Dolce & Gabbana , Carpaccio , a fine-dining Italian restaurant, and much more. The retail collection is further expanded with flagship locations for Aritzia , H&M , PRIMARK , Uniqlo , Sephora and Zara ; as well as the Toys R Us global flagship, the only standalone location in the U.S, and the world's first and only "candy department store," IT'SUGAR .


For more information on American Dream, visit or find us on Instagram @americandream and TikTok @americandream_official.

Primary Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve the shopping center's comprehensive security and safety strategy.
• Lead, mentor, and evaluate security management staff, officers, and contracted security teams.
• Establish security policies, procedures, and post orders aligned with industry best practices.

Operations & Risk Management

• Oversee daily security operations, including patrols, access control, CCTV monitoring, and crowd management.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and vulnerability analyses; recommend mitigation strategies.
• Manage incident response for emergencies including medical situations, theft, active threats, severe weather, and evacuations.
• Ensure proper documentation, reporting, and follow-up for all incidents.

Emergency Preparedness

• Develop and maintain emergency response plans, business continuity plans, and evacuation procedures.
• Coordinate and lead emergency drills and training exercises for staff and tenants.
• Serve as the primary security liaison during critical incidents.

Tenant & Guest Relations

• Partner with tenants to address security concerns and support loss prevention efforts.
• Ensure security operations enhance the guest experience while maintaining a visible and professional presence.
• Respond to escalated tenant, guest, and employee safety concerns.

Law Enforcement & External Partnerships

• Maintain strong working relationships with local police, fire departments, EMS, and homeland security agencies.
• Coordinate joint operations, special events security, and investigations as needed.
• Act as the primary point of contact for external security agencies.

Budget & Administration

• Develop and manage the security department budget, including staffing, technology, and training.
• Oversee contracts for third-party security vendors and technology providers.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, as well as company policies.

Technology & Systems

• Oversee security technology systems including CCTV, access control, alarms, radios, and incident management platforms.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies to enhance safety and operational efficiency.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 5-10 years of progressive security management experience, preferably in retail, shopping centers, hospitality, airports, stadiums, or large public venues.
• Proven experience leading large teams and/or contracted security providers.
• Strong knowledge of emergency management, risk assessment, and incident command principles.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree or professional certifications (CPP, PSP, CEM, or similar).
• Experience working closely with law enforcement or public safety agencies.
• Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Security Management, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Background in crowd management, special events security, or large-scale venue operations.
• Familiarity with retail loss prevention and customer-focused security environments.

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinker with strong operational execution
• Calm, decisive leadership under pressure
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• High level of integrity and professionalism
• Ability to balance safety, security, and guest experience

Physical job requirements

• Sitting-Frequently
• Stand and walk-Frequently

• Perform repetitive motion (using keyboard)-Frequently
• Kneel and bend-Occasionally
• Reach at or above shoulder level-Infrequently
• Reach at or below shoulder level-Infrequently
• Lift/Carry up to 50 lbs.- Infrequently

American Dream is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment or discrimination. All employment decisions are to be made without regard to race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, pregnancy, national origin/ancestry, citizenship, physical/mental disability, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.